Tent City and the Fight for Free Speech: A Chronology

Published April 17, 2007

Throughout the weeks leading up to Tent City, and during Tent City, the University Administration did not follow its own Freedom of Expression and Dissent Policy. The University refused to set up an appeals committee for SLAP to appeal the length of the Tent City permit, which was granted at significantly shorter than both the two weeks asked for by SLAP, and the 30-day maximum as outlined in the Policy.

Friday, March 2- SLAP applies for a 14-night permit for Tent City, to be set up on the Waterman Green starting April 9th.

Monday, April 2- SLAP receives a one-night permit. SLAP tries to appeal the decision and instead of putting together an appeals committee as outlined in the Freedom of Expression and Dissent Policy, Pat Brown, the Director of Student Life grants SLAP a second night.

Saturday, April 7- Pat Brown
and Rose Leland, the Grounds Manager, tell SLAP that they will not be able to use the Waterman Green after all on account of the grass being wet.

Monday, April 9- SLAP sets up Tent City on the Waterman Green despite allegedly wet grass. They are promptly kicked off by police. Tent City relocates to different grass, near Royall Tyler Theatre.

Tuesday, April 10- Again, SLAP tries to appeal and ask for a longer permit. Annie Stevens, the assistant Vice President of Student and Campus Life, refuses to put together an appeals committee as outlined in the Freedom of Expression and Dissent Policy and instead grants SLAP 3 additional nights, ending Saturday at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, April 11- SLAP organizes a Breakfast-In outside the President’s wing in Waterman, demanding to speak with the Administration. Gary Derr, Annie Stevens, and Tom Gustafson meet with the student protestors. James Stoops, a student organizer, is told that the administration may get in touch with SLAP about meeting with Fogel.

Friday, April 13- After repeated attempts to appeal and extend the Tent City SLAP members are told that their permit will not be renewed due to possible safety issues and possible future complaints from the director of the Royall Tyler Theatre.

Saturday, April 14- Tent City packs up, and SLAP makes plans for future pressure on the Administration in support of Livable Wage and students’ right to protest.

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